06 January,2026 07:39 PM IST | Mumbai | Aishwarya Iyer
Police have issued notices to two accused who operated the gym. Representational pic
A Mumbai-based fitness centre, Flat Fit Gym, has been booked for cheating after allegedly shutting down abruptly despite collecting over Rs 20 lakh in annual fees from more than 200 members.
According to Navghar Police, the Mulund East-based gym enrolled members by offering attractive facilities and long-term fitness plans. Members were charged between Rs 10,000 and Rs 11,000 each as annual fees, many of which were paid digitally. The gym initially operated normally, creating confidence among members.
However, on August 9, 2025, the gym was found suddenly shut, with shutters pulled down and the premises locked, without any prior intimation.
Members arriving for their regular workouts discovered that the facility had ceased operations overnight.
"Despite repeated attempts to contact the gym operators and management, phones went unanswered and no refunds were issued," said Nilesh Nandre, one of the members.
Police investigations revealed that around 205 members had paid annual fees, taking the total amount allegedly collected to Rs 20.05 lakh.
Members claimed they later learned that the gym had shut even as disputes related to the premises were ongoing, raising questions over why long-term memberships continued to be sold.
With no access to the facility or their money, several members approached the police. Based on their complaint, a case was registered on Sunday under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for cheating.
Police said those linked to the gym's operations are being investigated and efforts are underway to trace the money trail and ascertain whether similar complaints have been filed elsewhere. Senior police inspector Parag Sonawane said the two accused, identified as Swapnil Nigote and Harshal Salunke, ran the gym.
"They will be issued notices to appear at the police station for investigation. If they fail to appear, they will be arrested," Sonawane said.
